Long-term president Tim Charge did not seek re-election at the association’s recent annual general meeting and the position has been taken by Helen Lowe.

Mr Charge had a number of achievements to look back on during his time with the group, including this year’s new-look Oberon Business Awards and the creation of a strong image library.

The Oberon Business Association and Oberon Plateau Tourist Association amalgamated in 2014 to form the Oberon Business and Tourism Association (OBTA).

"OBTA exists to represent all members of the association and as Rhonda Sear said at the OBTA business awards in 2016, ‘for change to be successful you must take all stakeholders with you’,” Mr Charge said.

He said the overwhelming support for the Oberon Business Awards demonstrates that the new format is one that will be repeated in 2018 and thanked "Emma Clayton and her committee for all their hard work in organising the awards night".

Mr Charge said in 2017, the OBTA had completed a memorandum of understanding with Oberon Council and had reprinted the Oberon Simply Spectacular visitors’ guide. 

As well, he said the Experience Oberon Facebook page continued to be well-viewed.

"The Four Seasons photographic competition has built up OBTA's image library and these images may be used by any OBTA members,” he said.

"The Oberon promotional video is now complete and available for all members to use on their websites."

Mr Charge acknowledged the work of the staff at the Oberon Visitor Information Centre in promoting Oberon and preparing the What's On every week.

“Julie Stott must be thanked for her administration assistance in keeping our members informed via email,” he said.

He also mentioned one of the biggest issues in Oberon in the past few years: the battle to avoid a forced local government merger.

"OBTA supported Oberon Council and the anti-amalgamation group in their fight to see Oberon stand alone.”

He said the Shop Local vouchers “continue to be a way to get money spent locally”.

Mr Charge said the Oberon Local Telephone Directory is being reprinted and OBTA continues to support local schools with donations for their end-of-year awards.

"Thanks goes to Mary David and Branka and Michael Patterson for their organisation and support of the annual Christmas lights competition," he said.

OBTA voted for Brijid Media to construct a new Oberon website and Jenn Capel is preparing the content.

Mr Charge thanked the committee for 2017.

"I would especially like to thank Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz and Oberon Council's general manager Gary Wallace for their support," he said.

Vice-president is Col Roberts, secretary Mary David, treasurer Kira Simmons, publicity officer Jenn Capel and membership officer Owen Rogers.

Mrs Lowe said in his time as president, Mr Charge was supported in the role by his wife Fran.